Boston Bruins 2011-12: Tyler Seguin and the 5 Players You Must Watch This Season

The Boston Bruins are about to enter the 2011-12 NHL season as the defending Stanley Cup champions, which is a situation the franchise hasn't been in since the 1972-73 season.

The Bruins are, for the most part, a young team, and there are several players to pay extra attention to this season. There are players like Tyler Seguin, who is looking to build on a good rookie season and play a bigger offensive role this year. Then there are players like Rich Peverley who are looking to play a bigger role in their first full season in Boston.

Let's look at five players on the Bruins you must watch this season.

Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins featured columnist for Bleacher Report and was the organization's on-site reporter for the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals in Boston. Follow him on Twitter for Bruins and NHL news and analysis. Follow @NicholasGoss35

Adam McQuaid, Defense

Adam McQuaid became a big part of the Bruins defensive corps last season and established himself as a dependable player who was rewarded with big minutes throughout the Stanley Cup Finals.

The Bruins signed McQuaid to a three-year extension this summer, which will begin at the start of the 2012-13 season.

McQuaid is a physical defenseman who can shut down opposing team's best offensive players, and he also is not a guy you want to pick a fight with.

He fits the Bruins' motto of "big and bad" perfectly and has one of the best mullets in hockey.

Brad Marchand, Wing

Brad Marchand is currently a restricted free agent with the Boston Bruins, but it is very likely he signs a new deal before the season starts.

Marchand was the Bruins breakout star last year, scoring 21 goals with 20 assists for 41 points in the regular season, and set a Bruins franchise record with 11 goals in the playoffs by a rookie.

Marchand established himself on the Bruins second line last season and will continue there this season with center Patrice Bergeron and Rich Peverley most likely.

He has great speed, a quality wrist shot and gets under opponent's skin better than most players in the league.

Marchand is a fan favorite in Boston, and in his second full pro season this year, he is expected to be a major contributor offensively.

Rich Peverley, Wing

Rich Peverley was acquired right before the trade deadline last season from the Atlanta Thrashers and was a dependable player throughout the regular season and into the playoffs.

He has good speed, a good shot and has the versatility to play on multiple lines with different types of players.

Peverley scored 18 goals and dished out 23 assists last season for 41 points.

He played very well in the Stanley Cup Finals against the Vancouver Canucks and scored two goals in place of the injured Nathan Horton in Game 4 of the series.

Back with the Bruins for a full season, Peverley will become a key part of the Bruins offense, and will likely replace the retired Mark Recchi on the second line.

David Krejci, Center

David Krejci is one of the most underrated players in the NHL, and his exquisite and timely passing helped him lead the 2011 NHL playoffs in points with 23. He also led the postseason in goals with 12.

Krejci is one of the most important players on the Bruins, not only because of his offensive skills, but he is a solid defensive forward and is the playmaker on the team's first line alongside Nathan Horton and Milan Lucic.

He scored 13 goals with 49 assists for 62 points last season, and at 25 years old, he's only going to get better.

Krejci is also entering the final year of his contract, and it wouldn't be surprising to see Boston extend his current deal before the season starts.

Tyler Seguin, Wing

Tyler Seguin had an inconsistent rookie season last year, but played well in the playoffs and was the main reason for the Bruins' Game 2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Seguin scored 11 goals with 11 assists in the regular season, and added seven points in the playoffs.

Seguin is the most talented offensive player on the Bruins, and he has a unique skill set of unbelievable shot accuracy, great passing, intelligence and work ethic.

He is the future of the Bruins and will become a star this season.

Seguin could easily become a 25-goal scorer with increased playing time this year.